Lampard says Drogba is best striker he has ever played with

Veteran Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard paid tribute to departing striker Didier Drogba, saying that the Ivorian is the best striker he has played with ever.

London: Veteran Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard paid tribute to departing striker Didier Drogba, saying that the Ivorian is the best striker he has played with ever.

Lampard insists the striker deserves to be regarded as an all-time great alongside the likes of Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney and Dennis Bergkamp.

"I didn't see Didier get too many mentions when they were voting for the Premier League team of the past 20 years. Maybe that's because people like to make a fuss about the other side of his game," The Sun quoted Lampard, as saying.

"But having played with him for the last eight years I tell you without a doubt that he's the best striker I’ve ever played with. His all-round game is absolutely immense and what happened in Munich on Saturday night just confirmed what I have always believed about him," he added.

"He should be right up there with Henry, Rooney and Bergkamp among the all-time greats. Didier is going to leave a massive hole at our club but I love him as a bloke and I can’t be disappointed he’s leaving because he deserves everything he gets," he said.